Fuel-efficient or Hybrid Daily Commuter

You have a large number of criteria, but happily there are quite a number of vehicles that might fit! The kicker is "...unique styling cues, something that looks good on the road." since that is in the eye of the beholder.

Fortunately for you US News & World Report has done a lot of the homework for you here:https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/all-wheel-drive-cars-with-the-best-gas-mileage

I think the vehicle that ticks off all the boxes (with the possible exception of unique styling cues since there are lots of them on the road) is a 2020 Toyota RAV-4 Hybrid. Also, you might find the cockpit a little tight for you.

When reading RAV-4 reviews, one sees a moderate amount of complaints / bad press for the 2020 RAV-4. But a discerning eye will pick up that most or the complaints are for the gas engine car rather than the Hybrid. The one thing that seemed to jink both the ICE & Hybrid model is the difficulty in filling the gas tank due to a design flaw in the fuel filler. That apparently is being resolved and models currently being produced are or soon will have the redesigned filler. So you might want to avoid models produced prior to June 2020.

The 2020 Honda CRV-Hybrid is also ubiquitous and excellent. It won't quite match the RAV-4 mileage (at least on the highway), but has more space than the RAV-4 both in the cockpit and cargo area.

The internet is loaded with professional reviews for the both of these vehicles.

I highly recommend Alex on Autos reviews. He is very detailed and value oriented.

He liked the RAV-4 Hybrid so much he purchased one for himself.https://alexonautos.com/2019-2020-toyota-rav4-hybrid-the-best-compact-crossover

https://alexonautos.com/hondas-awd-hybrid-the-2020-honda-cr-v-hybrid/

And if you like a debate try this review:https://alexonautos.com/hybrid-vs-hybrid-2020-cr-v-vs-2020-rav4/

Interestingly in the debate, Alex says if had it to do over again, he would get the Honda over the Toyota! But that is just him. Please let us know what you pick!

I agree with Dan and Michael, RAV4 Hybrid if you want a hybrid or CX-5, CR-V, or regular RAV4 if you don't need the gas mileage.

I would highly recommend at least test driving the RAV4 Hybrid or even waiting out on the RAV4 Prime, which seems like a slam dunk for Toyota. 300 hp in a small SUV with 40 miles of EV range is awesome. Then the car turns into a regular hybrid after that, so you can fill up the gas tank as well and get a normal range.

The CX-5 feels more sophisticated and more luxurious. It handles better, but also has less interior room and gas mileage isn't stellar. If the RAV4 Hybrid or Prime didn't exist, I would probably get the CX-5 if I was in your place.

The regular gas RAV4 is loud on the inside, but otherwise a good crossover.

The CR-V has the most space on the inside. They also have a CR-V Hybrid, but I would only buy that if you do a lot of city driving because highway mileage is not great. The RAV4 hybrid is much better executed and has proven reliability.

One thing to note with the RAV4 Hybrid and Prime is that the AWD system is not have a mechanical connection from the front to rear wheels. It has an electric motor in the back that Toyota did not tune to put out enough power. So if you drive in a lot of deep snow, keep in mind the CR-V hybrid and other gas models have better AWD systems. It's good enough for 90% of people though.

I agree with AcuraT, I forgot the Prius had AWD. It has very little ground clearance, but will be fine for most conditions. We had a 2016 and it was a VERY nice driving car, just a little slow but I loved everything else about it.